If you can't afford classes (I know how that is), I would suggest trying to attend one seminar a year. It is amazing how much you can pick up at a single seminar. Make sure you take a notepad so you can write down as much as possible because you won't remember it all. If you and a friend go together, it is even more likely you will remember more.

"The Lacostas system according to these JKD instructors has 12 points of attack, but we train 5 to start with, it's simpler to teach and train 5, 12 can be for the advance person. At mid range each point has 4 basic blocks and counters, as well as in close range, close range meaning you can use the puno, the blunt tip on the bottom of the stick."

Those first five strikes, IMHO are everything. In fact, I would put my money on the first TWO (provided we're talking about 1 and 2 coming over-shoulder to the head/clav/chest area).I highly recommend putting on some fencing masks and going all out with padded sticks (until you're comfortable moving up to rattan) and just going for it. Keep your strikes simple, focus more on defense and striking from a safe spot, You will notice your technique falls apart QUICK, and you will also notice that there is nothing sweeter than a well-placed angle 1 or 2 strike. As you practice, try changing the angle in mid swing. This is nice and tricksy and will mette out 'stick sparring' from 'escrima sparring'.

Your right the 5 basic points are probably the most important for all systems, however, not all systems agree on the points and some have more attack points than others, furthermore, each system numbers their points differently. LOL

That sounds like a great idea. But I've noticed that the sticks that people use at tournaments along with that padded armor are much thinner than the sticks my brother and I use. Or perhaps we aren't strong enough yet to wield the stick in any given direction at the blink of an eye.

The width of our sticks are just a little thicker than a quarter coin. Swinging the stick is no problem, but the wrist manipulations takes some getting used to. For instance the quick head (snapping)strikes give me a lot of difficulty. My wrist just don't seem to twist as good.

I think the padded ones are usually about as wide as what you're using and around 26-28" in length. My preference in rattan however is 1/2" wide and 30-32" long. I'm short and I like to keep my opponent well out of range. Those extra few inches make a lot of difference! I favor a slimmer stick because of exactly what you said - speed. When I 'work out' with the sticks I use heavier ones, but in a match it's the skinnies every time. I like that whip-like feeling and how they practically bounce from one strike to another.

I was used to using the 1"-1 1/4" rattan. The Doce Pares sticks I bought were 3/4". They call my old stick "clubs" in fun (I like 'em better).

Unfortunately, despite my sincere efforts to get into & stay w/ Arnis, family obligations are a priority. I'm sorry to say, I had to quit despite all the fun I was having. Hopefully, I'll be able to resume some day soon.

Ola! My message might be a bit late, but hey, what the heck... one of GM Danny's topmost students, Ermar Alexander has just started teaching in London and Kent. He's a fighter - a 2x World Champion and 3x undefeated British Low Armour champion. There will be a free demo on the 4th and 5th of June in London to be attended by GM Danny.

I have trained in Doce Pares (only for 1 year) with Guru Don Edwards (now teaching in Livingston, NJ). Integrated Martial Arts and Fitness is the name of his school. The foremost authority in the states may very well be in Jersey City, NJ- but his name escapes me (Dong Cuesta perhaps). I have also had the opportunity to train with Cacoy and Dinisio Canete (spelling might be off - sorry!). In Maryland look up Carlos Pantlihug (spelling again). Like me he is a 5th dan in TKD - but he also happens to be an 8th dan in Doce Pares. I have trained with him as well - Great experiences. Videos are available. Try the Doce Pares website or PIMA in Jersey City. Hope this helps!